Facing the facade with facing bricks. Facade cladding with facing bricks

Building cladding is not an easy task. This applies not only to the work itself, but also to the choice of material that will be used for finishing. Most customers prefer pre-fabricated panels. They can be installed simultaneously with the insulation, which speeds up the process and makes it cheaper. But if there is a desire to create a unique and inimitable design, then you definitely cannot do without facing bricks. Why is it called that and what types are available for purchase? This will be discussed in the article.

Why is the brick called facing

The brick got its name due to the purpose for which it is used. It is also called facade. After building a house from of various kinds blocks, its appearance can hardly be called presentable. To improve the appearance of the facade, this type of brick is used. By its structure, it remains quite durable and can act as an independent building material, but it is also used to solve the following tasks:

  • additional protection against mechanical stress;
  • decrease in moisture level;
  • additional insulation.

The construction of buildings from foam blocks has become popular. They are quite fragile, so they can be easily damaged by physical impact. Facing bricks reduce the likelihood of such interference and extend the life of the building blocks. Due to their porous structure, foam blocks and other concrete materials are hygroscopic, that is, they are able to absorb and release moisture. Constant exposure to rainfall can cause the building material to crumble and become unusable. Cladding brick creates an additional protective wall that prevents moisture from entering the walls. Facing bricks soften the effects of temperature extremes.

In addition, insulation can be placed in the space between the wall and the facing brick, which will reduce heating costs in the cold season. With all this, facing or facade bricks do not lose their visual appeal. The dyes that are used in its manufacture are resistant to ultraviolet radiation.

Is it always possible to use facing brick

When buying facing bricks, the seller will surely assure that they can be finished in any case. But there are several factors that limit the use of bricks for cladding. One of them is the quality of the foundation. The maximum weight of cladding bricks can be up to 4.2 kg. This means that if 620 bricks are needed per 10 m2, then the weight of such a wall will be 2.6 additional tons more. If the wall is larger and there are at least 4 of them, then the load on the base can increase significantly. Therefore, if the foundation is piled or columnar, then you will have to choose a different type of cladding.

If it is difficult to say whether the finished strip foundation will withstand the weight of the facing brick, then you can hedge yourself by building another small foundation around the building, which will be used only for facing. In the case when it is known for sure that the foundation will withstand, but a special protrusion for facing bricks was not provided, then you can use the solution from Jordahl. Its engineers have developed a unique metal carcass, consisting of separate elements, which is designed to solve this problem. It is worth remembering that it is not possible to mount such a cladding system on ordinary houses made of foam concrete or other stone. A monolithic reinforced concrete base is required.

The method of building walls can also serve as a limitation on the use of facing bricks. If mistakes were made or if poor quality material, then the facing brick can exert a negative horizontal load. The effect will take place, since the dressing of the main and facing walls is mandatory. In some cases, the use of movable clamps is allowed, which will compensate for the load. The width of the foundation can also be a limitation in the case when the plans include wall insulation between the cladding and the main masonry. You will need to increase the gap to 10 centimeters or more. Sometimes in this case it is better to use ready-made panels.

Advice! Clinker tiles or ready-made panels with it can serve as a substitute for cladding stone. It is not inferior in appearance, but it has less weight and will come out cheaper.

Roofing can be another limitation on the use of facing bricks. When installing it, the fact of the presence of an additional facing wall must be taken into account. If this is not done, then the overhang will not be enough to protect the space between the planes from moisture ingress. If dismantling and modernization of the roof is required for the installation of the cladding, then it makes sense to think about choosing more rational method... Avoid using facing bricks on a building that is about to be demolished. This can only aggravate the situation, since only decorative adjustments will be made, which will not increase the strength of the load-bearing walls.

Note! Some craftsmen are used to making a small overhang above the plinth when finishing with facade bricks. It is worth remembering that its size should not exceed 1/3 of the total width of the brick. Otherwise, collapse may occur. You should also follow the special technique of laying the first few rows, which will serve as a support.

Which brick to choose for cladding

A wide choice of stone for cladding appeared not so long ago. Several decades ago, the decoration was carried out with silicate or ceramic stone. In some cases, it could only be laid on one side, since a rough coating remained on the rest of the facets. Today manufacturers are trying to surpass one another and offer the most exclusive solution. The following subspecies of facing stone are available on the market:

  • ceramic;
  • silicate;
  • clinker;
  • dry pressed;
  • with a unique texture.

Each of them requires separate consideration in order to choose the best one.

Ceramic

Ceramic bricks are the most common because of their price and availability. It is made from clay. This happens by firing in ovens with temperatures up to 1000 °. In addition to the clay itself, various components are added to the stone, on which color and other characteristics may depend. The advantage of such a stone for facing is its resistance to weather conditions. It perfectly tolerates drops and has a large reserve for freeze and thaw cycles. Products can be of various shapes, so there will be no problems with framing arched openings. When purchasing this type of cladding, it is necessary to cooperate with responsible suppliers and manufacturers. Cheap options have a significant drawback - over time, efflorescence may appear on the surface from interaction with rainwater. When performing work, it is worth mixing stone from different parties, since the shade may differ slightly, which will result in spots on the facade. In the photo you can see an example of facing with such a stone.

Silicate

Sand lime brick is one of the options that has been used for quite some time, an example can be seen in the photo. Its manufacturing technology differs from the previous version. The base is not clay, but quartz sand. It is mixed with lime and additional additives, which also include pigment dye. The form is given to a solution that does not contain a large number of water. After that, the semi-finished products are placed in ovens, where the temperature reaches 200 °, and the pressure rises to 12 atmospheres. Thanks to this approach, the dimensions of the sand-lime brick have smaller differences than the previous version. It can provide additional sound and heat insulation. Such a facing stone is worth a little cheaper than a ceramic one, since its production is cheaper. A silicate finish is more suitable for regions where the climate is moderately humid. The constant interaction of the stone with water leads to its destruction. This factor must be taken into account when finishing works use special protective compounds, as well as provide for large roof overhangs.

Clinker

Clinker brick is one of those grades that are used to give a building a special charm. By its composition, it is an improved option. ceramic brick... The difference lies in the preparation process and the ingredients. Clay serves as the basis for facing bricks. But special varieties are used that are distinguished by increased plasticity. Mixing with additional additives, the base is placed in an oven and heated to a temperature of 1300 ° C. Under the influence of this temperature, the clay takes on a monolithic structure. This explains the high resistance to moisture and the minimum percentage of absorption, which is at the level of 4-5%. Due to the absence of pores, the brick can withstand about 1,000 freeze-thaw cycles.

Until a certain point, clinker bricks had a limited number of color options. But with the development of technology, unique dyes were used, which expanded the range. Using clinker cladding is not the cheapest finishing option. On some types of clinker finishes, efflorescence may appear over time, which require special detergents to remove them. In the photo you can see how high-quality the cladding is.

Dry pressed

Dry-pressed brick is also called hyper-pressed brick. it interesting option, which is produced according to the method from which the name derives. In the photo you can see an example of finishing the facade with such a brick. The composition contains a small amount of cement. The rest of the finishing brick is made up of various waste in the form of shell crumbs, slag, crushed stone, marble chips, etc. after the mixture is prepared, it is processed with a small amount of water. Next, the brick is placed in high pressure chambers. In this case, it is possible to obtain the most dense structure. Such bricks are similar in characteristics to clinker bricks. In order for the base not to crumble and the facing brick to keep its shape, it can be dried for a long time or steamed. Such a brick provides a wide selection color solutions... It is practically ideal in shape, since it does not deform like a ceramic brick when baked.

With texture

For the most part, facing bricks have smooth edges. These options are easier to manufacture and also less expensive. Sometimes it is supplemented with a brick, one or more of the faces of which can be formed under a natural stone... A whole wall made of such a brick will look unpresentable, but certain areas can be emphasized. There are options for facing stone with a glazed surface. It is obtained by applying molten glass or clay. The component will determine whether the surface of the cladding is glossy or matte. Such a stone is also an excellent solution in order to emphasize certain nuances of the structure.

Note! Another type of facing stone with a glazed surface is engobed. Unlike the previous one, the glaze components are applied even before the first firing. This makes the process cheaper and faster, but requires special equipment. You can watch a video about finishing the facade below.

Conclusion

As you can see, facing stone is an excellent option in order to emphasize the advantages of the structure. If you apply a design approach, then you can implement a unique idea that will delight you with its appearance every day. Some types of facing stone require some maintenance, but it is not required so often and is produced quite simply, which should not stop you from using this type of facing.

After completing the box of the house, the question arises of how to decorate the facade so that the building acquires expressiveness and becomes warmer. Along with plaster and siding, brick cladding is often used. The facing brick itself is distinguished by a beautiful surface, correct dimensions, a wide variety of colors and textures, so that a brick-lined house takes on an elegant and neat look without additional decorative details and decorations. In addition, bricking the house is also beneficial for functional reasons, because it protects the facade from negative impact weather factors, increases the sound and thermal insulation of the building.

Features and varieties of facing bricks

The basis for the production of facing bricks is the same material that is used for the production of ordinary bricks. However, regardless of the material from which the facing product is made, it must meet the following requirements:

  • correct geometric shape (length error cannot exceed 4.4 mm, width - 3.3 mm, and height - 2.3 mm);
  • clear and even edges;
  • saturated uniform color;
  • the product should not have any defects in the form of chips, cracks and delamination (while the surface can be smooth, glazed or textured);
  • facing brick can have frost resistance in the range of F 25 - F The value in the marking indicates the number of freeze and thaw cycles that the material can withstand without the appearance of visible damage and a decrease in compressive strength of no more than 20 percent;
  • water absorption should be below 6%.

Important: if you will be laying facing bricks with your own hands, then you should know the following concepts: the long side of the product is called the spoon, the end part is the butt, the support plane (the largest surface) is the bed.

The following products can be used as facing bricks:

  1. Masonry ceramic bricks, in which clay is used as a filler. In comparison with silicate products, the production technology of ceramic elements is more complex, which affects their price (they are more expensive). Among positive qualities of these products, the following should be listed:
    • water absorption is 6-14% (this figure may be higher according to GOST, depending on the type of clay used);
    • frost resistance - from 25 to 50 cycles;
    • thermal conductivity is 0.3-0.5;
    • a large assortment of colors, textures and sizes (thanks to this, decorative details of facades can be made from bricks, they can be faced with arches and columns);
    • the density of the product is in the range of 1300-1460 kg / m³.
  1. Clinker brick has a dense structure, so it practically does not absorb moisture. However, solid clinker has a higher thermal conductivity. In addition, the price of the product is higher than that of conventional ceramic bricks. Its characteristics:
    • able to withstand up to 100 cycles of thawing and freezing, which makes a house faced with such a brick more durable;
    • with clinker, you can not only sheathe the facade, but also lay out columns, decorative belts, facade details from it, make beautiful fence and use in the interior;
    • a large selection of shapes, colors and textures of this product is on sale;
    • the density of clinker bricks reaches 2100 kg / m³, so it can be used for laying load-bearing elements of a building.
  1. You can cover the house with bricks with your own hands using silicate products. Quartz sand is used as a filler. Placing such elements around your house, it is worth considering their characteristics:
    • water absorption of the material is 6-8 percent;
    • the frost resistance of the elements is low and amounts to 15-50 successive cycles;
    • thermal conductivity - 0.39-0.7;
    • element density - 1500-1950 kg / m³.
  1. The cladding of a house with products that are produced using the technology of hyper pressing (semi-dry method) is very similar in characteristics to ceramic bricks, but its price is slightly higher. A striking example of such facing elements can be the Bassoon brick, in which shell rock is used as a filler. Specifications:
    • water absorption - 3-7%;
    • frost resistance from F 30 to F300;
    • strength from 1000 to 4000 kg / m³;
    • thermal conductivity 0.43-0.9.

Advice: if you take into account the characteristics of the products, it is better to cover the house with clinker bricks. Although its cost is higher, such investments will quickly pay off with durability and unpretentious operation.

Varieties of facing masonry

Facing bricks can be laid in different ways. There are quite a few of them. If you do not know how to brick a house, then you can choose one of the laying options below. We will not list all the methods, but only the most popular ones:

  1. Bricklaying with a path (spoon)... In this case, the whole brick is laid with the long (spoon) side. In each subsequent row, the elements are displaced relative to the bottom row by half or a quarter of the product to ensure overlapping of the vertical seam.
  2. You can overlay the house with facing bricks laid block masonry... In this case, rows with spoon and bonded masonry alternate, that is, one row is laid with the long side, and in the next all the elements are placed end-to-end.
  3. Cross masonry very similar to block - the alternation of spoon and end rows is performed. In this case, it is necessary to observe the shift of the joints by half of the brick. Thus, we will get a pattern that resembles a cross - just above the end part of the brick there will be a spoon part, and above it again the end part.
  4. You can lay out the walls gothic masonry, when in the same row, elements with spoon and bonded styling alternate. At the same time, in adjacent rows, the spoon is shifted by a third of the brick length, and the poke is shifted by half of the product.
  5. Brandenburg or chain masonry performed in such a way that a poke is laid in one row every two spoons. In the next row, the end parts of the bricks should be above the junction of the two spoons of the lower row.
  6. Chaotic masonry- this is the most extraordinary way of cladding, when no order and alternation of long and short sides are observed. If this is the first time you are laying facing bricks on your own, laying in this way will greatly simplify and facilitate the task for a beginner.

Attention: when the stone is laid with the end part, the element is pre-cut in half. Thus, whole products and halves alternate.

  1. Since facing bricks must be purchased from the same batch in order to avoid discrepancies in color or tone, then before buying it, you need to accurately calculate the total amount of material. This is easy to do if you find the total area of ​​the facades minus all openings, and then multiply the resulting value by 51 - the number of bricks in the masonry per 1 m² of the wall.
  2. Before covering a building made of timber or wooden house it is necessary to make an antiseptic treatment of all wooden elements. It is better to process the tree twice, repeating the procedure every other day.
  3. Also, before performing these works, it is necessary to strengthen the foundation or fill in a new tape next to it. To do this, do the following:
    • In the old concrete base holes are drilled to a depth of 10 cm, with a cross section of 1.2 cm.In a brick foundation, the depth of the holes should be greater - 20 cm. These holes should be located 10 cm below the top of the base, their step is 50 cm, and the angle of inclination is 15-20 ° ...
    • Reinforcing pins from a bar with a diameter of 1.2 cm are hammered into the holes obtained.In this case, the end of the reinforcement with a length of 15 cm should stick out from the foundation.
    • Next, next to the existing foundation, a new 30 cm wide strip of monolithic reinforced concrete is poured. The rebars bond to the new base frame and remain in the concrete forever.
    • Horizontal and vertical waterproofing of the new foundation is carried out from two layers of rolled material - roofing material.
  1. Before lining a wooden house with bricks, you need to equip a ventilation system so as not to let the wood rot under the cladding. To do this, between the brickwork and wooden surface there should be an air gap 3-4 cm wide. Also, ventilation ducts are additionally equipped on the facade, the area of ​​which should be 0.75 m² for every 20 m² of the facade area. To prevent rodents from getting into the air vents, they are closed with special nets.

Cladding brick laying technology

Usually, facing bricks are laid for joining. At the same time, they adhere to the following technology:

  • Brick laying is carried out on a fine day at a temperature not lower than + 5 ° С. You cannot perform work at temperatures below zero, as the cement slurry will change its properties.
  • Before proceeding with the installation on the mortar, the stone is laid "on dry". This will allow you to determine the amount of stone that needs to be adjusted to size, select products for the decoration of door and window openings.
  • Before laying the first row, the base must be leveled.
  • For cutting stones, a grinder with a stone disc is used. Chipping of elements with a hammer is prohibited.
  • For laying, a cement mortar is used, which is prepared from 1 hour of Portland cement, 3 hours of sifted river sand and 1 hour of water. The mortar mixture must be stiff enough so that the element does not "float" during installation.
  • The mortar is applied to the flat part of the brick in a thin layer. Moreover, it should not reach the front edge by 1 cm.
  • When performing masonry, corner rows are first made to a height of 4-6 bricks. For the reliability of the dressing to be higher, it is not advised to use halves of the stone. It is better to take elements of length ¾.
  • A cord or line is pulled between the two corners, along which intermediate bricks are laid and aligned.
  • To prevent the facing brick from taking moisture from the cement mortar, the products are moistened with water before installation.
  • The height of the horizontal seam is 1.2 cm, of the vertical one - 1 cm.
  • To ventilate the brickwork in the lower row, every three vertical seams are made without mortar and filled with insulating material, in the upper part of the facade ventilation is carried out due to the fact that 1 row of brickwork does not reach the cornice.
  • Every 5 rows, it is recommended to use a wet cloth to remove any cement on the front surface.
  • The facing layer must be bound to the walls of the building. To do this, during the laying of masonry, anchors with a diameter of 0.4-0.6 cm are hammered into the walls.At the same time, at least 45 anchors should fall on each square meter of the facade plane, and above window openings performed at 8-12 attachment points.
  • If it did not work out in advance to lay the dowels into the masonry of the walls of the house, then the dowels are hammered into the walls, to which the wire is tied. It should reach the middle of the facing layer and go 20 cm in each direction. Thus, the wire is hidden inside the masonry. The installation step of such dowels is 50 cm. In frame and wooden houses, nails with a length of 120 mm are used to arrange the dressing. In a block structure, clamps are suitable for these purposes.
  • When the cement has set a little, the seams are sewn with a wooden rod. The solution is simply pushed inward.
  • Window and doorways always lined with bonded masonry. For more attractiveness, you can use elements of a different shade.

Video guide for laying facing bricks:

Brick is used not only as a building material. It perfectly fulfills the function of facade decoration. It would seem who will be surprised by a brick facade, but modern manufacturers of this material have learned to create not only durable specimens, but also interesting shapes, textures, and colors.

From the name it follows that the material is used for cladding the house. Also called front or front, but this does not mean at all that the strength characteristics are set aside by the manufacturers.

The brick, with which the walls are trimmed from the outside, must also have good strength indicators. This is due to the fact that the facade is constantly exposed to serious loads, such as:

  • Mechanical damage (shock, wind gusts).
  • Jumps in ambient temperature.
  • Atmospheric precipitation, which means regular high humidity.
  • Ultraviolet radiation.
  • Biological effects (mold, fungus, insects, rodents).

Thanks to special manufacturing technologies, the brick facade is able to withstand all the above loads. At the same time, the material remains attractive for a long time. appearance no extra care costs.

The advantages and disadvantages of such a finish

When choosing materials for decorating the facade, you should definitely study all the pros and cons of one or another option. Consult with professionals, contact home owners who have chosen the same finish and know how the material works. Online forums are also fine. It is advisable to visit third-party sites, and not the online store of some manufacturer.


As for the brick cladding, the following advantages are distinguished:

  1. High moisture repellency.
  2. Durability and reliability.
  3. Frost resistance of the structure.
  4. Steam permeability.
  5. Fire and environmental safety.
  6. Long service life from 50 years.
  7. Self-cleaning - dust and dirt are washed off with rainwater.
  8. Easy maintenance.
  9. Versatility - suitable for both outdoor and indoor decoration.
  10. Large selection of shades and factor.

Of course, there are several disadvantages, like any other finishing material.
Let's get acquainted with them:

  • High price.
  • Low-quality products are covered with white bloom (efflorescence).
  • It is important to buy the right amount of bricks from the same batch, otherwise the elements will differ in color. Although some specially buy 2-3 shades and mix the elements during the installation process. Thus, they create a unique pattern on the facade.

After evaluating the information received, everyone decides for themselves whether this option is suitable or not.

When can and when can not brick wall cladding be done?

But there are several points that do not allow the use of a brick
masonry:

  1. Low foundation strength. Brick is still a heavy material and requires a solid foundation. Therefore, if at first it was planned to erect a frame house with light cladding, but during operation it was decided to make a cladding of bricks, then it would be necessary to equip an additional foundation exclusively for the finishing wall.
  2. Affects the choice of cladding and strength load-bearing wall... A vertical brick is associated with supporting structure so that it does not fall to one side or the other. This means that the main wall must withstand the additional load. A gas silicate base is suitable.
  3. The need for roof redevelopment also carries a lot of weight when choosing a brick facade. The finished roof will not be able to protect the new structure.

All these nuances significantly increase the price of an already expensive cladding. If the house is old and is not able to withstand such loads, then it is better to use lighter options for repair, for example, basement siding with imitation of bricks or ceramic tile for the facade. A curtain wall is used.

It is better if the brick facade is included in the project of the new house. Then, when erecting the facing wall according to the drawing, there will be no unforeseen costs or situations. Plus, when everything is planned and executed correctly, the structure will be much stronger.

Types of bricks for wall cladding

Modern market building materials offers types of facing bricks, which differ in the composition of the initial components and the method of production. But this does not mean that they are different and specifications... All values ​​are located approximately at the same level. Only the appearance and colors are different. Therefore, we will consider several popular options.

Ceramic

The main raw material for the manufacture of such bricks is clay. different varieties... Several additional substances are added to the main component, which slightly improve its quality. The material is created full-bodied or with cavities. Strength does not depend on the presence of cavities; rather, the thermal insulation function improves.

Basically, they offer a range of shades from brown to orange and yellow, which is associated with the raw materials. No dye is added to such a brick. The surface of the elements is glossy or matt. The production features are as follows:

  1. Thorough mixing of all components, especially if several types of clay have been used.
  2. Forming of blanks.
  3. Firing at a temperature of 800-1000 degrees.

But even in the case of using one type of clay, the shade of individual elements is different, and this is due to the following factors:

  • Insufficient quality mix.
  • Raw materials from the same quarry often differ in composition and color.
  • Temperature fluctuations. The higher the workpieces are heated, the darker the brick will turn out.
  • The duration of heat treatment is the same dependence as in the previous version. The longer it is fired, the darker.

The disadvantage of ceramic bricks is the frequent manifestation of efflorescence. The presence of such white spots is associated with poor quality raw materials or a short firing time. The composition of the adhesive is also an influential factor. Select only high-quality components for the solution.

Clinker

This is another version of ceramic bricks, but differs from its predecessor in the following points in manufacturing:

  1. Only refractory clays are chosen.
  2. Pigments are added to the batch, which makes it possible to make bricks of different colors.
  3. After formation, firing is performed at more high temperatures about 1300 degrees. The material becomes strong and can withstand significant loads.

The clinker is distinguished by its decorative properties, but at the same time it is expensive. Everything is connected with a complex production process. In addition, goods from foreign manufacturers are mainly represented on the domestic market. Russian manufacturers still fall short of quality standards.

Hyperpressed

Such a brick consists mainly of waste from various industries:

  • limestone;
  • shell rock;
  • waste from processing natural stones;
  • slags.

In order to bind all the components, a little cement is added. To obtain colored pigments, mineral and natural pigments are used. The hyper-pressed brick differs in the process of creating products:

  1. Thorough mixing of dry components.
  2. Moisten the mixture with a little water.
  3. Packing by forms.
  4. Exposure to high pressure.

The workpieces are dried until the moisture completely disappears. As you can see, the firing process is completely absent, but this does not make the brick brittle. On the contrary, thanks to the binder, the material acquires the same strength as natural stone. Hyper-pressed cladding costs a little less than clinker or ceramics, since the technological process is simpler.

The dimensions of the parts turn out to be almost the same, which is difficult to achieve when creating the previous options. This means that it is easier to overlay the facade with such material. The front side of the brick resembles a torn stone, since it has chips and breaks. This texture only attracts buyers, because it is an imitation of natural
stone.

Silicate

For the manufacture of this option, clay is not used at all. Manufacturers choose the main components:

  • Quartz sand.
  • Lime.
  • Pigments.
  • Mineral supplements.

Before sending the blanks for firing at a temperature of 120-200 0 С, they are subjected to pressing. Such actions allow you to give the parts the correct shape with small errors in dimensions (up to 0.5 mm). It should be said that silicate bricks are also fired at an increased pressure of up to 12 atmospheres.

This material is much cheaper than the above types. But they are rarely used as facade cladding. This is due to:

  1. High moisture absorption.
  2. Low UV resistance.
  3. Bad reaction to negative indicators ambient temperature.

If this option is chosen for decoration, they take care of protection from destructive factors. The facade is treated with moisture-repellent compounds and the overhang of the roof is increased.

What is Bavarian masonry?

As mentioned above, bricks from different batches differ significantly in color. In the 17th century, the Bavarians faced the same problem. They tried to select raw materials more carefully, constantly improved the manufacturing process, but nothing came of it.

Then it occurred to me to sort the finished products by color. Unfortunately, the desired result was also not there. There was nothing left to do but mix all the elements of 2–4 shades and distribute them evenly over the facade so that light or dark areas do not form on the surface.

The builders noticed that houses with this pattern looked no worse than plain buildings. In addition, the masonry gave the building brightness and attractiveness, making it stand out from the crowd. Now this style of brickwork is considered a sign of good taste, and tourists go to Bavaria to admire the ancient buildings.

Photos of beautiful designs of brick houses

Examples using bricks

Someone likes brickwork, and the owner strives to recreate such a facade in any way - using facing bricks or materials that can imitate this facing. Others try to escape standards and disguise brick walls in any known way.

There is no dispute about tastes, since everyone has their own vision of beauty. Therefore, we will consider several options for facades decorated with bricks, but in different interpretations and styles.

Universal brick facade

Brick is such a versatile material that it is even used to decorate houses with columns, arches, stucco and other facade decor. At the same time, the building will not lose its attractiveness, but, on the contrary, will sparkle with new colors, and at the same time it will not look vulgar or tasteless.

A correctly selected shade of cladding elements, as well as texture, will only emphasize the taste and status of the owner of the house. Therefore, turning to brickwork as a facade update, you should not worry about whether the structure will be just as beautiful. No, it won't, but it will be completely new!

Painted bricks, external walls in different colors

By using paints and varnishes transform the brick facade, which is already boring. But be careful when choosing this method of decorating a private building. The paint penetrates deeply and unevenly into the structure of the brick, and it will be extremely difficult to get rid of it.

As you know, paint is not a material with a long service life, therefore, having painted a brick facade once, it must be maintained in an attractive form every 3-5 years, depending on the type of paint chosen. In addition, some types cover the facade with a durable film that does not allow moisture to pass from indoor spaces... This will negatively affect the base material.

If this option is suitable and does not frighten the owner, then there is no limit to imagination. On the construction market, a large number of facade paints are already tinted or white, which lend themselves to pigmentation. The pigment is chosen from the same manufacturer as the paint.

On the facade, no more than three shades are combined. Window and door openings, a porch, etc. are distinguished with a contrasting color. For selection colors take advice from trendy construction prints, their online counterparts, or professional designers.

In all versions, there are photo galleries where they select a ready-made version or create a completely new one at the request of the client. It is quite possible to paint it with your own hands, but if the building is large, two-story, then it is better to resort to the services of a professional team with the appropriate tools and equipment.

Whitewashed brick

One of the options for coloring the facade is the application of whitewash on the brick. This way of decorating external houses will allow you to achieve the aging effect. Whitewashing of bricks was often used in English villages, so those who are interested in this style cannot do without whitewash.

For whitewashing, use a mixture of lime and table salt. If you add a small amount of white cement, the layer will be stronger and last longer.

Energy efficient brick

The energy efficiency of this material lies in the ability to heat up for a long time, and then give off heat to the environment for a long time. Thus, we have the following:

  • In the summer, the facade warms up in the sun, but the heat does not penetrate into the premises, therefore the coolness remains there.
  • In winter, heated interior walls I do not let the heat go outside, but at the same time they keep the heat inside the rooms for a long time.

Buildings with a long service life require wall insulation. Therefore, when laying decorative bricks, a small gap is left between the main and outer ( decorative wall). Insulating material is placed in this gap, taking into account the ventilated gap.

If this is not done, then moisture will accumulate in the thermal insulation material, which will lead to destruction. In addition, the walls inside the rooms will be wet. And if you leave the gap, then you do not need to ventilate the room additionally.

Natural beauty

For the manufacture of facing bricks, synthetic materials are rarely used. Therefore, such a cladding remains naturally and absolutely safe for human health, as well as for the surrounding nature. If to create finishing bright colors and dyes are added, they are rather natural of mineral origin.

Naturalness is always in vogue, and now, when the world around us is stuffed with synthetic substances, you want to close yourself in a country cottage or city one-story house from natural ingredients.

Playing with texture

Brick works well with different materials that have an original texture. There is no difference wooden tiles or decorative elements on a metal facade, a stone path or a plinth and corners are finished with stone. The brick facade will emphasize the originality of the finish.

You can finish several elements with plaster and leave a clean facade, which looks good. In addition, brick blends well different types and shades on the same house. You just need to skillfully select a separate area.

Mix shingles and bricks

If there is a large number of green spaces around the house with an attic, then raw brick is suitable as a decoration for the facade. At the same time, the roof is covered with unpainted tiles. This way of decorating the facade will create coziness throughout the entire area, and convey the spirit of the forest thicket.

Handmade brick

Now all bricks are made in factories and in large batches. Previously, everything was done by hand without the use of complex techniques. If you want to highlight your home from the total mass of buildings, you can do everything the old fashioned way.

Knead the solution, pour into wooden molds and burn over the fire. Washing out irregularities on the bricks with sand, create an original velvety texture. Such blocks will aesthetically embellish the facade and convey the spirit of the ancient mansion.

Modern brick

The versatility of the brick facade allows it to be used for modern buildings in the minimalist style. Various colors and textures are suitable for creating an accent both on the facade and indoors. In addition, there is nothing wrong with completely revealing the facade.

Should you do the cladding yourself?

The brick laying process is quite complicated. Without experience in this area, it is almost impossible to make a flat wall horizontally and vertically. Moreover, there are also features of the formation of an external decorative wall. It is necessary to make flexible connections, leave ventilation gaps between the elements. It is very difficult to control everything. Moreover, the work will not proceed quickly.

Therefore, you should not tempt fate and transfer expensive bricks and mortar, but immediately hire a professional team of bricklayers. Finding good employees will also be difficult. Ask your friends or neighbors for advice, maybe there are such people in their environment. And be prepared for the fact that the cost of performing the work is also not cheap.

Brick-faced houses are encountered with enviable regularity. Such structures are not only distinguished by their aesthetic appearance, but also by their reliability and durability. Many owners independently trim their homes with high-quality and wear-resistant bricks, saving cash on the services of professionals. Of course, you can really do it yourself, but it is important to take into account the characteristics of the specified building material and read the instructions.

Material features

Brick is rightfully recognized as the most popular building material, which is very common. Brick houses and brick-faced buildings can be found on every street. Many consumers opt for this particular product. The distinctive characteristics of modern facing bricks can be safely attributed to its attractive appearance, coupled with wear resistance.

In addition, this raw material is not afraid of negative external influences, bad weather conditions and mechanical damage. It is not so easy to break or break a high-quality brick, therefore it is simply irreplaceable in the cladding of private houses and summer cottages.

According to experts and home craftsmen, today's facing bricks can be somewhat inferior to other facing materials in terms of their external characteristics. Recently, however, this trend has ceased to be relevant. In different retail outlets, people may come across different options bricks. It can be not only red and smooth elements. There is an opportunity to pick up textured options for other colors that look very interesting.

Using a reliable facing brick, it is possible to form an additional protective layer for the walls. Thus, it will be possible to protect these bases from the penetration of destructive dampness and moisture. In addition, heat loss from masonry is usually significantly reduced, as noted by many owners.

In most situations, in the desire to decorate a house with brickwork, people rely on their "Wishlist". At the same time, quite a lot is missed important points, having a direct impact on the brick itself and the facade from it. Experts say that the material for decorating the front of the house must be thought out even at the project stage. Leaving this business "for later" is not worth it.

If you do not pay attention to this rule, then after making the box, a lot of problems may appear. It may turn out that the width of the foundation base is not enough to support the facing brick, because during the construction, the owner decided to additionally insulate the wall structures.

So, a facade made of facing bricks has a more significant bearing capacity, which is capable of exceeding these indicators of the foundation, which, as a result, will lead to cracking of the masonry. It is quite possible to clad the house with brickwork with your own hands. Of course, this process cannot be called very simple and easy. In fact, this is a laborious job, but it is possible to cope with it. The main thing is to observe all the nuances of the cladding and act in stages, observing the technology.

Advantages and disadvantages

Today, many users choose brick as a facing material. For this reason, facades from it are most common. This popularity of brickwork is due to the many positive qualities that are inherent in it.

Let's get acquainted with their list.

  • First of all, you should pay attention to the attractive appearance of the brick cladding. Thanks to this design, the house can become much more aesthetically pleasing.
  • Brickwork is capable of providing good protection to the main wall material (for example, from a foam block or a bar). Being behind the bricks, the base will not be subject to the destructive effects of precipitation and other external factors that can cause serious damage.
  • There are many different materials with which it is possible to effectively design a residential building, however, brickwork is recognized as one of the most reliable and durable solutions. For example, the same facade plaster is more susceptible to mechanical damage.

  • Brick is not afraid of exposure to aggressive ultraviolet rays. Upon contact with them, the masonry does not lose its color and presentation, which cannot be said about the popular today vinyl siding or painted profiled sheet.
  • Decorating the facade of a house with brickwork allows you to additionally insulate a residential building, as many experts say. Of course, the thermal insulation properties of bricks are not highly effective, but the combination of hollow building material and insulation allows a good effect to be achieved.
  • Another significant advantage of brick cladding is that it makes the house even more fireproof. Brick itself is a non-flammable building material, and it does not support combustion itself. If there is a wooden base under it, then it simply needs to be closed, since it is prone to fire.

  • Brick-faced facades boast durability and wear resistance. They are not afraid of external influences or harsh weather conditions.
  • Brick is characterized by minimal moisture absorption, therefore, over the years it does not crack and does not lose its positive qualities, even if it is located in a region with frequent rains.
  • A brick-faced facade does not require complex and regular maintenance, unlike the same wooden one.

It does not need to be treated with antiseptic compounds and other protective agents. Brickwork is protection itself.

  • Such building material is famous for its environmental safety. It does not harm either human health or the environment. Moreover, the brick has the ability to destroy harmful substances - they are simply removed from the base. This cladding is self-cleaning when it rains.
  • Brick can be used for both exterior and interior decoration of buildings.
  • Facing brick is famous for its frost resistance. You can safely refer to it, even if you live in a northern climate. In addition, these materials are not afraid of temperature changes - under their influence, the masonry is not damaged and does not lose its positive qualities.

  • It is not necessary to trust professionals to work with facing bricks. It is quite possible to decorate the house yourself - you just need to adhere to the guide and use high-quality raw materials.
  • Brickwork has a good soundproofing effect. A house with such a facade will always be protected from annoying street noise.
  • Modern facing bricks are presented in a wide range. In retail outlets there are products of different textures and colors, so choose optimal models everyone can.

As you can see, there are many advantages to masonry. That is why it is so common. Many consumers do not even have a question about how to decorate the facade of the house - they immediately acquire a suitable batch of facing bricks. But we must not forget that, like any other building material, it has its own weak sides, which you also need to familiarize yourself with.

  • Brick is prone to the formation of a noticeable white bloom called efflorescence. Due to such formations, the appearance of the lined building can be seriously affected.
  • It should be borne in mind that brick cladding is not cheap, especially when compared with other options. For example, using the same Don board will cost several times less.

  • There are too many low-quality building materials in stores that do not last as long as we would like, and during the operation such products bring a lot of problems. That is why professionals argue that only European bricks should be used - practically no marriage occurs in them. But such options are not so common, and their authenticity is not always possible to verify.
  • When choosing a facing brick, you need to make sure that all building materials are selected from the same batch. If the shades do not match, it will simply not be possible to correct the situation, and this will be very noticeable.
  • Although brickwork you can build it yourself, all the same, such work can hardly be called simple and easy. Covering a house with bricks is laborious and sometimes very expensive.

  • Brickwork creates a serious load on the foundation. That is why experts strongly recommend that this issue be worked out even at the stage of preparing a project and a scheme for future construction.
  • It should be borne in mind that the use of facing bricks can lead to a noticeable decrease in ventilation. Because of this, moisture can accumulate in insulating materials, which will negatively affect their properties.
  • With such a finish, the shrinkage of the wall bases will be different, therefore, it will not be possible to firmly and rigidly tie the base to the cladding.
  • In stores, bricks are often found that do not differ in ideal geometry. Such products can be difficult to work with.

  • Such facing materials can be subject to shedding if you have chosen an unsuitable brand of products (which are not strong enough).
  • Brick is a building material that is very often damaged during transportation. Often it turns out to be chipped - the edges fall off. You cannot continue to work with these elements.
  • A brick is capable of collapsing if low-quality raw materials were used in its manufacture. Incorrectly processed limestone, which is always present in clay, often remains in the mass of products. Because of this, noticeable "quivers" appear in the bricks. In these places, products absorb moisture especially strongly, and then completely collapse.

You can see that facing bricks also have many disadvantages. However, you may never encounter many of them if you initially purchase high-quality products manufactured in accordance with all norms and rules.

There are several types of facing bricks. Let's consider them in more detail.

  • Ceramic. This type is the most common. Such products are made from clay and special mineral additives, from which a special mixture is obtained. It is passed through the spinnerets, and at the exit a formed block is obtained, which is then sent to the kiln for firing. In such conditions, the building material turns out to be very practical and then serves for a very long time. It is robust, weak in moisture absorption, robust and resistant to wear and tear.

  • Clinker. This type of brick is distinguished into a separate category, although it is one of the varieties of ceramic products. Clinker models are also made, and the raw materials are the same. The only difference is the harder firing mode. After this stage, the brick turns out to be almost monolithic - it acquires increased strength characteristics. Such products serve for a long time, and it is extremely difficult to damage them. However, it must be borne in mind that clinker is not the most effective sound insulator.

  • Hyper-pressed. Such building material is made without the use of clay. A lime-cement mixture is used with a number of specialized additives that are used to obtain a higher level of strength and different colors. During the manufacturing process, the hyper-pressed building material is not fired. Such products are also distinguished by their impressive weight. They can have a beautiful stone texture.

  • Silicate. Silicate facing brick is produced from silicate sand, water and lime. Such building materials are characterized by high rates of moisture absorption, therefore they are not resistant to frost. The service life also suffers from this feature. For this reason, silicate bricks are rarely bought in recent years.

Types of masonry

There are several types of brickwork. Let's get to know them better.

  • Spoon-type dressing. This is the simplest masonry. With her, the stones are shifted by a quarter or half their length. In the construction of houses, such options are used very rarely, but in facing work, this is a frequent decision.

  • Chain ligation. When building wall structures in one brick, such a ligation will be as reliable as possible. In such works, one row is a butt row, and the second is a spoon row with parallel laying of two stone elements with a gap in the seams.

  • Multi-row dressing. In the process of carrying out work, in extremely rare cases, every second row is made butted, and there is no need for this, because because of this, the level of strength of the wall structures will suffer minimally. For this reason, in most cases, from 2 to 5 (sometimes 6) spoonfuls are combined with one butt row.

  • Lightweight. As for lightweight masonry, as a rule, they resort to it in low-rise construction. This method is characterized by the presence of large voids in the wall structure. Most often they are filled with insulation.

The walls, built using lightweight technology, are two walls connected to each other using brick bandages or special metal ties.

  • Reinforced. This type of masonry is used if it is necessary to build high-strength and strong brick structures... Reinforced masonry is relevant if you need to tie the cladding to the load-bearing wall, take care of the additional strength of the structures.

  • Decorative. Thanks to this method of masonry, it is possible to create a beautiful architectural image of the facade of the house. If we turn to this option, then the building can be made very effective, it will stand out among other constructions.

  • Bavarian. This masonry technology is considered German, but this type of design has many different buildings located in many European countries and even in Russia. With this technique, bricks of different colors are mixed - they do not alternate evenly.

  • Facial. With this method, only facial building materials are used, which can be found in modern retail outlets with various kinds of decorative effects. There are simply countless varieties of such masonry. However, in most situations, when finishing facades, the classic technique is used - half masonry (in half a brick).

  • Openwork. With this option of masonry, spectacular perforated structures are obtained. They are erected using the spoon method of laying in half a brick, just between the joints of the bricks next to each other, small gaps are specially left and the seams are meticulously closed.

Required tools

As mentioned above, it is quite possible to do the facing work both inside and outside with your own hands. But before that, it is extremely important to stock up on all the necessary tools and devices.

Let's get acquainted with their list.

  • trowel (this is another name for such a device as a trowel);
  • hammer pickaxe;
  • grinder (with its help it will be possible to cut bricks as accurately and accurately as possible);
  • level and plumb line;
  • rule;
  • ordering;
  • jointing;
  • special construction lace;
  • square.

Please note that the number of tools used largely depends on the qualifications of the master who carries out the facing work. Thus, more experienced bricklayers with a wealth of knowledge may use very few tools. If the employee is less trained, he may need a much broader set of tools.

Preparatory stage

If you decide on your own to decorate your home with brickwork, then you should first carry out a number of preparatory work. You should not neglect them if you want to achieve a good and sustainable result. Make sure that the foundation of the house, as well as its structure in general, is designed for installation of brickwork. The foundation must be built in compliance with all building codes. It must necessarily withstand significant loads. Cheap and simple bases will not work in this case.

You should also make sure that the base of the house is made from raw materials such as monolithic concrete (concrete blocks are also acceptable). The foundation itself must be of sufficient width. This requirement is especially important, because the facing brick will be based on the foundation structure. In some situations, bricks are placed on special steel corners, which are attached to the base using anchor bolts.

In addition, it is allowed to organize an additional foundation if the quality of the main one leaves much to be desired. Another base must be poured along the perimeter of the structure, stepping back about 30 cm from the first foundation.

The additional structure will need to be covered with a waterproofing material. For this, roofing material laid in two layers is ideal. You can fasten it to the previous base using anchor bolts.

Next, you should pay attention to the structure of the roof. It is very important to take a closer look at the roof. In most cases, in old houses, the cornice piece does not protrude beyond the perimeter of the structure by more than 25 cm. With such a structure, the bricks will become infinitely wet and may even be destroyed. After about 5 years of such use, the brickwork will become unusable. This problem can be solved in one correct way - you will need to coat the walls of the dwelling with a special hydrophobizing compound every year, but keep in mind that such funds are quite expensive.

If you plan to close the main walls of wood with brickwork, then before starting work you will need to coat the wood bases with antiseptic compounds. If you are decorating external walls, then you need to buy the appropriate product for them. For external work, you should not purchase internal impregnations - there will be little sense from them. In addition, to wooden walls it will be necessary to attach the vapor barrier material using a construction stapler. These coverings should be laid with an overlap (minimum - 10 cm).

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